New West End Co announces New Chairman

New West End Company (NWEC) has today announced that Sir Peter Rogers will succeed Dame Judith Mayhew as Chairman as it set out its strategy for rejuvenating London‘s West End‘s retail space.

Rogers will take up his new post in July, the group announced at the West End Year Ahead Conference, having previously operated as special advisor to the Mayor of London on regeneration, growth and enterprise as well as CEO of Westminster City Council and London Development Agency.

Commenting on Rogers‘ appointment, Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “I‘d like to thank Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas for her sterling work at the New West End Company and wish her the very best for the future.

“I‘m delighted that Sir Peter Rogers, who has worked tirelessly for London for many years, has taken the helm.

“Under his stewardship I have no doubt that the West End will build on its reputation as one of London‘s biggest draws for visitors to the capital and as a key driver of our economy.

“Sir Peter brings decades of valuable experience to champion this vitally important part of our city and I look forward to working with him and his team to ensure that the West End goes from strength to strength.”

As the company seeks to revitalise East Oxford Street, it announced the appointment of former CBRE consultant David Kenningham as Retail Property Consultant, tasked with spearheading a programme for the East end of the street.

Kenningham will liaise with landlords and work to secure major brands from the US and across the world and the strategy is due to be unveiled in June 2013.

Delivering a unique and compelling shopper experience is crucial ahead of the completion of Crossrail in 2018, when some 20 million additional shoppers are set to visit the street, according to the group.

Kenningham said of his appointment: “Strengthening the proposition of the West End by having a hand in new acquisitions around East Oxford Street is a hugely compelling opportunity.

“There is a potential that the area will see more growth than any other in London over the next five years, and as a result the West End‘s enviable number of European flagships is likely to soar.”

During the event, NWEC also explained its priorities for the year ahead, noting that it will create campaigns and promotions to drive footfall to the luxury retail area and focus on “high net-worth visitors” as it continues to work with the Government to improve the Chinese visa process.

Oxford Street is also set for a makeover while Bond Street will concentrate on building a welcoming environment, building on the company‘s move to “ensure a top quality welcome across the district”.